The modern NFL may be pass-heavy, but running backs still matter—just ask anyone who tried to tackle Derrick Henry the past couple of weeks.
With a couple of elite NFL running backs dominating and committees getting the job done, which teams are effectively leaning on their run game? We rank the league’s top running backs from worst to first!
Who are the top running backs in the NFL after week 6 of games?
32. Jacksonville Jaguars: Travis Etienne Jr. (Last Week #30)
Unfortunately for Jacksonville, Travis Etienne Jr. left the game early with a hamstring injury. Before exiting, the former Clemson star struggled to generate much offense, finishing with just three carries for -1 yards and no receptions.
31. Miami Dolphins: De'Von Achane (bye) (Last Week #32)
De’Von Achane’s absence was felt during Miami’s bye week, as the Dolphins missed his game-breaking speed out of the backfield. They’ll hope he’s ready to return soon, with pivotal matchups on the horizon.
30. Cincinnati Bengals: Zack Moss (Last Week #28)
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Zack Moss saw his role diminish significantly in favor of Chase Brown, contributing just 13 yards on six carries in a frustrating performance for Cincinnati’s offense.
29. New England Patriots: Antonio Gibson (Last Week NR)
With Rhamondre Stevenson unavailable, Gibson was tasked with leading the backfield. The veteran back mustered just 19 yards on 13 carries, though he added 24 receiving yards on three catches to salvage his stat line slightly.
28. Cleveland Browns: Jerome Ford (Last Week #29)
Jerome Ford took a back seat this week, receiving only two carries for 14 yards as the Browns opted to rotate backs. It seems Ford is quickly slipping down the depth chart.
27. Washington Commanders: Austin Ekeler (Last Week NR)
With Brian Robinson Jr. sidelined, Austin Ekeler got the starting nod, but he struggled mightily. He gained just 21 yards on nine carries, proving ineffective against the Ravens’ stout defense.
Also Read: How Are The NFL’s Highest-Paid Running Backs Performing In 2024?
26. Dallas Cowboys: Rico Dowdle (Last Week #11)
Dowdle found little room to operate in Dallas’ backfield, finishing with 25 rushing yards on five carries. He did add five receptions for 30 yards, but they came too late to make any real impact.
25. Denver Broncos: Javonte Williams (Last Week #24)
Williams had a rough day against the Chargers’ defensive front, producing only 23 rushing yards on six carries, along with 13 receiving yards on three catches. The Broncos need more from him moving forward.
24. Las Vegas Raiders: Alexander Mattison (Last Week #31)
Mattison struggled to get much going but salvaged his day with a touchdown. He ended with 33 rushing yards and 32 receiving yards, showing flashes but lacking consistency against the Steelers.
23. Indianapolis Colts: Trey Sermon (Last Week NR)
With Jonathan Taylor sidelined, Sermon handled a bulk of the carries but produced just 29 yards on 18 attempts. His gritty performance helped keep the Colts’ offense afloat in a win over Tennessee.
22. New Orleans Saints: Alvin Kamara (Last Week #13)
Kamara had a decent showing with 40 rushing yards and a touchdown, adding five catches for 24 yards. While not spectacular, he remains a reliable presence in the Saints’ offense.
21. Los Angeles Chargers: J.K. Dobbins (Last Week #22)
Dobbins took 27 touches for 101 yards and a rushing touchdown, showcasing his value in both the run and pass game. His performance was a bright spot for the Chargers.
20. Minnesota Vikings: Aaron Jones (bye) (Last Week #17)
Injuries continue to plague Jones, who will need to stay healthy coming off the bye if the Vikings hope to maintain their momentum deep into the season.
19. Arizona Cardinals: James Conner (Last Week #5)
Conner was stymied by the Packers’ defense, managing only 24 rushing yards on seven carries. Arizona’s ground game will need more from the veteran moving forward.
18. Seattle Seahawks: Kenneth Walker III (Last Week #19)
Walker found the end zone on Thursday, but it was a tough night overall. He finished with just 32 rushing yards and eight catches for 37 yards, struggling against the 49ers’ defense.
17. San Francisco 49ers: Jordan Mason (Last Week #18)
Mason made the most of his nine carries, picking up 73 yards before exiting with a shoulder injury. His strong play continues to be an asset for the Niners.
16. Tennessee Titans: Tony Pollard (Last Week #20)
Pollard posted his best game as a Titan, racking up 93 rushing yards and a touchdown on 17 carries. Tennessee’s offense is leaning on him to spark production moving forward.
15. New York Jets: Breece Hall (Last Week #25)
Hall was electric on Monday Night Football, rushing for 113 yards and adding 56 more through the air. Despite the Jets’ loss, Hall remains a bright spot in their offense.
14. Buffalo Bills: James Cook (Last Week NR)
Ray Davis stepped in for Cook and didn’t miss a beat, rushing for 97 yards on 20 carries. The Bills’ backfield depth is proving to be a real asset this season.
13. Green Bay Packers: Josh Jacobs (Last Week #15)
Jacobs was productive, gaining 62 rushing yards on 18 carries and 28 receiving yards. The Packers leaned on him early before resting him once the game was in hand.
12. Pittsburgh Steelers: Najee Harris (Last Week #21)
Harris finally found his groove, rushing for 106 yards and a 36-yard game-sealing touchdown. It was a much-needed bounce-back performance for the Steelers’ lead back.
11. Detroit Lions: Jahmyr Gibbs (Last Week #8)
Gibbs played second fiddle to Montgomery but still delivered, totaling 91 yards on 15 touches. His versatility continues to be a key component of Detroit’s offense.
10. Philadelphia Eagles: Saquon Barkley (Last Week #3)
Barkley had a quiet game, finishing with 47 yards on 18 carries. The Eagles need more balance to support their playoff push, especially with Barkley at less than full strength.
9. Houston Texans: Cam Akers (Last Week NR)
Akers made an instant impact in his return from injury, running for 102 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries. Houston will need more of the same to stay competitive.
8. Carolina Panthers: Chuba Hubbard (Last Week #12)
Hubbard turned in an impressive 92-yard performance against a tough Falcons defense. He continues to solidify his role as Carolina’s most reliable offensive weapon.
7. Kansas City Chiefs: Kareem Hunt (Last Week #9)
Hunt is fitting in well back in Kansas City, providing a dependable rushing option in Pacheco’s absence. His role will be crucial as the Chiefs aim for consistency on offense.
6. New York Giants: Tyrone Tracy (Last Week #7)
Tracy shined in Singletary’s absence, racking up 107 yards and a touchdown. His emergence gives the Giants much-needed flexibility in their backfield.
5. Chicago Bears: D'Andre Swift (Last Week #6)
Swift put up 91 yards and a touchdown, showing once again why the Bears are leaning on him as a dual-threat weapon. His performance continues to elevate Chicago’s offense.
4. Atlanta Falcons: Bijan Robinson (Last Week #10)
Robinson had a breakout game, rushing for 95 yards and two touchdowns. His ability to deliver in crucial moments solidifies his status as one of the league’s rising stars.
3. Los Angeles Rams: Kyren Williams (bye) (Last Week #2)
Williams has been a standout despite the Rams’ struggles. The bye week gave him a chance to rest, which should help him continue his dominant season.
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Sean Tucker (Last Week NR)
Tucker exploded for 136 rushing yards, a touchdown, and 56 receiving yards in Tampa’s win. His breakout performance might just be the spark the Bucs’ offense needed.
1. Baltimore Ravens: Derrick Henry (Last Week #1)
Henry continues to look like a force of nature, posting 132 yards and two touchdowns. The Ravens’ offense feeds off his physicality, making him their most valuable weapon.
Also Read: Grading All 32 NFL Teams Running Backs After Week 5 Games Of The 2024 Season
